Angled Bullet-Resistant Target Redirects Reflected Projectiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable firearm targets lack durability and often pose a hazard due to the reflection of bullets back to the shooter when struck, as they are typically made of steel plates with spring-like characteristics that can propel bullets back.

Innovation Solution

A free-standing target mechanism with a bullet-resistant plate supported by a post and a spall member, which can be angled to redirect reflected bullets safely away from the shooter, using materials like AR500 hard armor plate steel to catch and prevent the reflection of bullets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a steel plate target is used, then the target durability is improved, but the target reflects bullets back to the shooter creating a hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget durabilityVSAvoidbullet reflection hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by angling the steel plate target at a specific orientation (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the shooter. This angular positioning redirects the reflected bullets into the ground or away from the shooter, transforming the hazard from a direct reflection back to the shooter into a safe trajectory. The target maintains its durability while eliminating the reflection hazard through spatial reorientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful bullet reflection into a beneficial safety feature by using the steel plate's inherent reflective property to redirect bullets away from the shooter. The same spring-like characteristic that causes reflection is harnessed to safely dispose of spent ammunition, transforming a hazard into a safety mechanism that protects the shooter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Loss of time

If a portable target mechanism is used, then the setup time is reduced, but the durability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup timeVSAvoidtarget durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the target system into separate modular components: a durable steel plate target, a support structure, and a base. This segmentation allows the heavy steel plate to be separately manufactured and assembled, maintaining its durability while enabling quick setup through simple assembly of the modular components. The support structure and base provide stability without requiring permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal target mechanism that can be quickly deployed and relocated to different shooting positions. The standardized base and support structure can accommodate various steel plate targets, making the system adaptable to different locations and configurations while maintaining durability through the robust steel plate component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the target plate is positioned at a fixed angle, then bullet redirection is improved, but the adaptability to different shooting positions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebullet redirection effectivenessVSAvoidposition adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the steel plate target to be adjusted to different angles and positions. The support structure enables the target plate to be tilted or rotated to achieve optimal bullet redirection for various shooting positions, while maintaining a stable angled orientation during use to ensure consistent hazard mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a safe and durable target mechanism that effectively directs and catches reflected bullets, enhancing shooter safety and reducing the risk of injury from backspaced projectiles.

Implementation Method 1

the spring characteristic of the target plate, resulting from the preloading energy of a bullet strike, can propel the bullet directly back to the shooter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a spall member that is also bullet-resistant and serves to essentially catch reflected bullets and bullet components and prevent them from being reflected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS8622394B2Free-standing action target mechanism for firearm training

Publication Date: 2014.01.07 LARUE MARK C

AI summary

A free-standing post supported target mechanism has a support post of a defined cross-sectional geometry. A baseplate defines a post opening receiving the support post and has a first orientation permitting movement of the baseplate along the length of the support post and a second orientation establishing a gripping relation with the support post. A spall plate defines a post opening receiving the support post and has a first orientation permitting movement of the spall plate along the length of the support post and a second orientation establishing a gripping relation of the spall plate with the support post. A target plate engages the baseplate and the spall plate and is secured by a locking member. A target base defines a receptacle receiving and supporting the support post and establishes a weight-forward condition that offsets the rearward forces of bullet impact.